In Fischer Esterification, the acid catalyst, typically a strong acid like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid, plays a crucial role. The acid protonates the carbonyl oxygen of the carboxylic acid, increasing its electrophilicity. This makes it more susceptible to nucleophilic attack by the alcohol. The process involves several steps, including the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate and the subsequent elimination of water to form the ester.
